trailer MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2013 Owner's Manual

A warning tone sounds. The parking symbol
disappears and the multifunction display
shows the Park Assist cancelled mes-
sage.
When Active Parking Assist is cancelled, you
must steer again yourself.
Towing a trailer
For vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the min-
imum required length for parking spaces is
slightly increased.
If you have attached a trailer to your vehicle,
you should not use Active Parking Assist.
Once the electrical connection is established
between your vehicle and the trailer, Active
Parking Assist is no longer available. PARK-
TRONIC is deactivated for the rear area.
Reversing camera
General notes
Reversing camera : is in the boot lid handle.
The reversing camera is an optical parking
and manoeuvring aid. It uses guide lines to
show the area behind your vehicle in the
Audio/COMAND display.
The area behind the vehicle is displayed as a
mirror image, as in the rear-view mirror.
The reversing camera is protected from rain-
drops and dust by means of a flap. When the
reversing camera is activated, this flap opens.
Only once the manoeuvring process has been
completed and the reversing camera has
switched off does the flap close again. For
technical reasons, the flap may remain open
briefly after the reversing camera has been
deactivated. If you switch off the engine, the
flap will also close.
i The text of messages shown in the
COMAND display depends on the language
setting. The following are examples of
reversing camera messages in the
COMAND display.
Observe the notes on cleaning
( Y page 291).
Important safety notes
The reversing camera is only an aid. It is not
a substitute for your attention to the imme-
diate surroundings. The responsibility for safe
manoeuvring and parking remains with you.
Make sure that there are no persons, animals
or objects in range while manoeuvring and
parking.
Under the following circumstances, the
reversing camera will not function, or will
function in a limited manner:
R if the tailgate is open
R in heavy rain, snow or fog
R at night or in very dark places
R if the camera is exposed to very bright light
R if the area is lit by fluorescent light or LED
lighting (the display may flicker)
R if there is a sudden change in temperature,
e.g. when driving into a heated garage in
winter
R if the camera lens is dirty or obstructed
R if the rear of your vehicle is damaged. In
this case, have the camera position and
setting checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Activating/deactivating the reversing
camera
XTo activate: make sure that the key is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.XMake sure that the "Activation by R gear"
setting is active in the audio system/Driving systems191Driving and parkingZ

COMAND Online; see the separate audio
system/COMAND Online operating
instructions.XEngage reverse gear.
Guide lines are used to show the area
behind the vehicle in the Audio/COMAND
display.
Function mode display for vehicles with COMAND
Online and a trailer tow hitch
XTo change the function mode in vehi-
cles with COMAND Online and trailer
tow hitch: using the COMAND controller,
select symbol : for the "Reverse parking"
function; see the separate COMAND Online
operating instructions.
or
XSelect symbol ; for the coupling up a
trailer function (see the separate COMAND
Online operating instructions).
The symbol of the selected function is high-
lighted.
To deactivate: the reversing camera is deac-
tivated if you:
R select transmission position P (vehicles
with automatic transmission)
R drive forward ten metres
R shift the transmission from R to another
position after 15 seconds (vehicles with
automatic transmission)
R shift out of reverse gear after 15 seconds
(vehicles with manual transmission)
R drive forwards at a speed of over
10 km/h
Displays in the Audio/COMAND display
The reversing camera may show a distorted
view of obstacles, show them incorrectly or
not at all. Obstacles are not shown by the
reversing camera in the following locations:
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R in the area immediately above the tailgate
handle
! Objects not at ground level may appear to
be further away than they actually are, e.g.:
R the bumper of a parked vehicle
R the drawbar of a trailer
R the ball coupling of a trailer tow hitch
R the rear section of an HGV
R a slanted post
Use the guidelines only for orientation.
Approach objects no further than the bot-
tom-most guideline.
Lanes
:White guide line without turning the steer-
ing wheel, vehicle width including the
exterior mirrors (static);Yellow lane marking the course the tyres
will take at the current steering wheel
angle, vehicle width including the outer
edge of the wheel (dynamic)=Red guide line for the vehicle width includ-
ing the exterior mirrors, for current steer-
ing wheel angle (dynamic)?Bumper192Driving systemsDriving and parking

Turning the steering wheel
:Red lane indicating the route the vehicle
will take with the steering wheel in its cur-
rent position;Parking space markingXWhile the vehicle is at a standstill, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the park-
ing space until the red lane reaches parking
space marking ;.XKeep the steering wheel in that position
and reverse carefully.
Reversing with the steering wheel turned
:Red lane indicating the route the vehicle
will take with the steering wheel in its cur-
rent positionXStop the vehicle when it is almost exactly
in front of the parking space.
The white lane should be as close to parallel
with the parking space marking as possi-
ble.
Driving to the final position
:White lane indicating the route the vehicle
will take with the steering wheel in its cur-
rent position;Parking space markingXTurn the steering wheel to the centre posi-
tion while the vehicle is stationary.:Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 0.25 m from the rear of the vehicle;White lane indicating the route the vehicle
will take with the steering wheel straight=End of parking spaceXReverse carefully until you have reached
the end position.
Red guide line : is then at end of parking
space =. The vehicle is almost parallel in
the parking space.
"Coupling up a trailer" function
This function is only available on vehicles with
a trailer tow hitch and COMAND Online.
194Driving systemsDriving and parking

:Vehicle centre point on the yellow guide
line at a distance of approximately 1.0 m
from the rear of the vehicle;Trailer drawbar=Ball couplingXSet the height of trailer drawbar ; so that
it is slightly higher than ball coupling =.XPosition the vehicle centrally in front of
trailer drawbar ;.:Ball coupling;Red guide line at a distance of approx-
imately 0.25 m from the ball coupling=Trailer drawbar locating aid?Trailer drawbarASymbol for the "Coupling up a trailer"
functionXSelect symbol A with the Audio/COMAND
controller; see the separate operating
instructions for the audio system/
COMAND Online.
The "Coupling up a trailer" function is selec-
ted. The distance specifications now onlyapply to objects that are at the same level
as the ball coupling.XReverse carefully, making sure that trailer
drawbar locating aid = points approx-
imately in the direction of trailer draw-
bar ?.XReverse carefully until trailer drawbar ?
touches red guide line ;.XCouple up the trailer ( Y page 201).
ATTENTION ASSIST
General notes
ATTENTION ASSIST helps you during long,
monotonous journeys such as on motorways
and trunk roads. It is active in the 80 km/h
to 180 km/h range.
If ATTENTION ASSIST detects typical indica-
tors of fatigue or increasing lapses in con-
centration on the part of the driver, it sug-
gests taking a break.
Important safety notes
ATTENTION ASSIST is only an aid. It cannot
always detect fatigue or lapses in concentra-
tion until too late or not at all. The system is
not a substitute for a well-rested and atten-
tive driver.
ATTENTION ASSIST assesses your level of
fatigue or lapses in concentration by taking
the following criteria into account:
R your personal driving style, e.g. steering
characteristics
R journey-related parameters, e.g. time of
day, length of journey
The functionality of ATTENTION ASSIST is
restricted, and warnings may be delayed or
not occur at all:
R if the road condition is poor, e.g. if the sur-
face is uneven or if there are potholes
R if there is a strong side wind
Driving systems195Driving and parkingZ

Indicator and warning display
Blind Spot Assist is not active at speeds below
approximately 30 km/h. Vehicles in the mon-
itoring range are then not indicated.:Yellow indicator lamp/red warning lamp
If Blind Spot Assist is activated, indicator
lamp : in the exterior mirrors lights up yel-
low up to a speed of 30 km/h. At speeds
above 30 km/h, the indicator lamp goes out
and Blind Spot Assist is operational.
If a vehicle is detected within the monitoring
range of Blind Spot Assist at speeds above
30 km/h, warning lamp : on the corre-
sponding side lights up in red. This warning
always occurs when a vehicle enters the blind
spot monitoring range from behind or from
the side. When you overtake a vehicle, the
warning only occurs if the difference in speed
is less than 12 km/h.
The yellow indicator lamp goes out if reverse
gear is engaged. Blind Spot Assist is then
deactivated.
The brightness of the indicator/warning
lamps is adjusted automatically according to
the ambient light.
Collision warning
If a vehicle is detected in the monitoring range
of Blind Spot Assist and you switch on the
corresponding turn signal, a double warning
tone sounds. Red warning lamp : flashes. If
the turn signal remains on, detected vehicles
are indicated by the flashing of red warning
lamp :. There are no further warning tones.
Activating Blind Spot AssistXMake sure that Blind Spot Assist is activa-
ted in the on-board computer
( Y page 219).XTurn the key to position 2 in the ignition
lock.
Warning lamps : in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately
1.5 seconds and then turn yellow.
Towing a trailer
If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting. Blind Spot Assist is then
deactivated. The indicator lamp lights up yel-
low in the exterior mirrors and the Blind
Spot Assist currently unavailable
See Owner's Manual message appears in
the multifunction display.
i You can deactivate the indicator lamps in
the exterior mirrors.
To do so, deactivate Blind Spot Assist if:
R the key is in position 2 in the ignition lock
R the engine is not running
R the electrical connection to the trailer
has been established
Lane Keeping Assist
General notes
Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area in
front of your vehicle by means of a camera at
the top of the windscreen. Lane Keeping
Assist detects lane markings on the road and
warns you before you leave your lane unin-
tentionally.
Driving systems199Driving and parkingZ

When Standard is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
R you have switched on the turn signals. In
this event, the warnings are suppressed for
a certain period of time.
R a driving safety system intervenes, such as
ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
When Adaptive is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
R you have switched on the turn signals. In
this case, the warnings are suppressed for
a certain period of time.
R a driving safety system intervenes, such as
ABS, BAS or ESP ®
.
R you accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.
R you brake hard.
R you steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lane quickly.
R you cut the corner on a sharp bend.
In order that you are warned only when nec-
essary and in good time if you cross the lane
marking, the system recognises certain con-
ditions and warns you accordingly.
The warning vibration occurs earlier if:
R you approach the outer lane marking on a
bend.
R the road has very wide lanes, e.g. a motor-
way.
R the system recognises solid lane markings.
The warning vibration occurs later if:
R the road has narrow lanes.
R you cut the corner on a bend.
Towing a trailer
Notes on towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There
is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.GWARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle/trailer
combination if it begins to swerve. The vehi-
cle/trailer combination could even overturn.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten out the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion by increasing speed. Decrease your
speed and do not countersteer. Brake if nec-
essary.
GWARNING
If you exceed the permissible noseweight
while carrying a load, the carrier system could
detach from the vehicle and fall on the road.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always maintain the permissible noseweight
when carrying loads.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If you exceed the maximum permissible nose-
weight of the trailer drawbar on the ball cou-
pling, the following may become damaged:
R your vehicle
R the trailer
R the ball coupling
R trailer tow hitch
The vehicle/trailer combination could
become unstable.
If the noseweight used is lower than the min-
imum permissible noseweight, the vehicle/
trailer combination could also become unsta-
ble.
Towing a trailer201Driving and parkingZ

To avoid hazardous situations:
R make sure to check the noseweight before
each journey.
R use a drawbar noseweight as close as pos-
sible to the maximum noseweight.
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
noseweight.
R do not use a noseweight lower than the
minimum permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight.
You can use carrier systems, e.g. bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of
75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which
must not be exceeded, can be found:
R in your vehicle documents
R on the identification plates of the trailer tow
hitch and the trailer
R on the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section.When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics. Adapt your style of driving accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion.
General notes
! Use a drawbar noseweight as close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less
than 50 kg, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
XWhen towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure
on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a
maximum load; see the tyre pressure table
in the fuel filler flap ( Y page 319).
You will find fitting dimensions and loads in
the "Technical data" section ( Y page 344).
The actual noseweight may not though be
higher than the value which is given:
R on the type plate of the trailer tow hitch and
R on the type plate of the trailer
The lowest weight applies.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC ( Y page 182) and Blind Spot Assist
202Towing a trailerDriving and parking

(Y page 197) availability is limited or not avail-
able at all.
i The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use a trailer with a height-adjustable draw-
bar.
Driving tips
i Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation ( Y page 70).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. For vehicles
with automatic transmission, you need to
have selected manual drive program
M (Y page 156).
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
i Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal
on downhill gradients while the manual
drive program M is temporarily activated
(vehicles with automatic transmission): the
automatic transmission may switch back to
the last active automatic drive program E
or S. The automatic transmission may shift
to a higher gear. This can reduce the
engine's braking effect.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.XDo not countersteer.XBrake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
Folding out the ball coupling
GWARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing
out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that
the ball coupling engages when folding in.
Towing a trailer203Driving and parkingZ

Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot.XTo open the cover: turn handle : anti-
clockwise and fold down cover ; and
remove it.XPull out release wheel =.XTurn release wheel = anti-clockwise as far
as it will go.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
behind the rear bumper. Indicator
lamp ? flashes.GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always engage the ball coupling as described.
XPull the ball coupling in the direction of the
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
Indicator lamp ? goes out. The power
socket folds down automatically.
The multifunction display shows the
Check trailer hitch lock display mes-
sage until the ball coupling is engaged.XRemove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.XMake sure that the ball of the ball coupling
is clean and that it is either greased or dry
(grease free), depending on the instruc-
tions for the trailer.
Coupling up a trailer
XMake sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.XApply the electric parking brake.XPosition the trailer level behind the vehicle.XCouple up the trailer.XEstablish the electric connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.XCheck that the trailer lighting system is
working.
A trailer that is connected is recognised
only when the electrical connection is
established correctly and when the lighting
system is working properly. The function of
other systems, such as ESP ®
or PARK-
TRONIC also depends on this.
Uncoupling a trailer
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over-
run brake, you could trap your hand between
204Towing a trailerDriving and parking

the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses
a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
! Remove the installed adapter cable
before folding in the ball coupling. Other-
wise, damage may occur to the rear
bumper and the adapter cable.XMake sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.XApply the electric parking brake.XSecure the trailer against rolling away.XRemove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
Folding in the ball coupling
GWARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing
out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that
the ball coupling engages when folding in.
XFold the ball coupling back in if you are not
using the trailer tow hitch.XPlace the protective covering on the ball
coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot.
XTo open the cover: turn handle : anti-
clockwise and fold down cover ; and
remove it.XPull out release wheel =.XTurn release wheel = anti-clockwise as far
as it will go.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
behind the rear bumper. Indicator
lamp ? flashes.Towing a trailer205Driving and parkingZ